Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Implied Trusts in Philippine Mortgages: Protecting the True Lender
When a mortgage names one person but another funds the loan, Philippine courts may impose an implied trust to protect the true lender.
Bigamy in the Philippines: When a Second Marriage Is Void From the Start
Philippine law voids any second marriage contracted while a prior civil marriage subsists. Learn the rules, limits of Muslim divorce, and who may sue.
Private Dealings, Public Trust: When Personal Conduct Creates Administrative Liability for Philippine Public O
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's private dealings can still trigger administrative liability, even if the act is unrelated to official duties.
Upholding Integrity Court Employees Conduct AND Accountability IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officers may be held liable for conduct unbecoming even in private dealings, reinforcing the public trust doctrine.
CBA Interpretation: Anniversary Increases Cannot Offset Contractual Wage Hikes
Supreme Court rules on CBA interpretation—anniversary raises cannot offset contractual wage increases, and management prerogative yields to CBA terms.
Government Liability for Lost Goods: Waivers of State Immunity in Philippine Customs Law
When can the Bureau of Customs be held liable for seized goods that disappear while in its custody? The Supreme Court explains the limits of state immunity.
Restrictive Custody vs Illegal Detention: Habeas Corpus in Philippine National Police Custody
Understand the difference between restrictive custody and illegal detention, and when habeas corpus applies in Philippine National Police custody cases.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Loss of Trust Without Proof: Navigating Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Philippine Labor Law: When Dismissal Becomes Illegal
Philippine labor law requires employers to prove willful breach of trust before dismissing employees. This case explains the standard.
Attorney-in-Fact Can Sign Forum Shopping Cert; Ejectment Rules Explained
SC rules attorney-in-fact may sign certification against forum shopping in ejectment suits; explains unlawful detainer rules, demand, and ownership.
SALN Omissions and Simple Negligence in Government Service: The Pleyto Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public official's failure to disclose a spouse's business interests in the SALN amounts to simple negligence, not dishonesty.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Dominancy Test Prevails in Philippine Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the dominancy test governs trademark infringement, focusing on dominant features rather than overall differences.
Where Can a Mortgage Be Foreclosed in the Philippines? Venue Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue and scope of extrajudicial foreclosure, including what happens when a mortgage covers only part of a loan.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice for Child Rape Victims in the Philippines
A look at People v. Otos, where the Supreme Court affirmed a child rape conviction, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim testimony.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Just Cause Explained
The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when loss of trust and confidence is a valid just cause.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Judicial Delay Consequences and Remedies in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial delay, its consequences for litigants, and the remedies available to address unreasonable case postponements.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Forum Shopping and Substitute Pleadings: Dismissal Without Prejudice in Philippine Courts
Understand when refiling a case after dismissal is allowed and when a substitute complaint supersedes the original.